Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior with a military background in my family. I was just wondering about the benefits that a military id could offer to a college student. Can any military dependents fill me in?
Absolutely, having a military background can indeed offer some unique benefits when it comes to college education, both for service members and their dependents.
1. Tuition Assistance: The military provides TA (Tuition Assistance) to active-duty service members. Dependents do not receive TA, however, military spouses can use MyCAA, a $4,000 education benefit.
2. Post-9/11 GI Bill: If you are a dependent of a service member who has served at least 90 days of active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, you may be eligible for benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits can cover full tuition and fees at public colleges and universities and up to a certain amount for private or foreign schools. It also provides a housing allowance and funds for books and supplies.
3. Yellow Ribbon Program: Some colleges participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can make additional funds available for education without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement.
4. Scholarships: There are several military-specific scholarships available to dependents of military personnel. For example, the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
5. In-State Tuition: Some states offer in-state tuition to military dependents regardless of their residency status.
Each service branch and state offers different benefits and they might change over time. I suggest you check the official military or VA website for the most current information.
Finally, while not related to your military family background, you might be eligible for need-based aid, as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and could earn various merit-based scholarships as well. When it comes to affording college, you should explore all possible sources of aid, as every little bit can add up!
Good luck!
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